OAL Length and Book Confusion

This is a discussion on OAL Length and Book Confusion within the Reloading forums, part of the Defensive Ammunition & Ballistics category; I just got all my reloading equipment in the mail yesterday and after looking at the reloading info in the Lee book I am a ...

OAL Length and Book Confusion

I just got all my reloading equipment in the mail yesterday and after looking at the reloading info in the Lee book I am a little confused. The Lee book lists loads for "jacketed" bullets but does not specify JHP of FMJ. I am assuming they mean FMJ because the 1.150" OAL matched my WWB 9mm ammo.

My confusion comes in with JHP. Should I just match the seating depth of the FMJ? Or should I load to the same OAL? What about powder charge?

If I have a 124gr JHP and 124gr FMJ is the powder charge the same if the seat depth is the same?

Any recommendations for a reloading book that has more recipes in it than the Lee? I'm a little disappointed with the lack of 9mm loads in the Lee book so anything 9mm specific would be fine. FWIW, I'm using Unique, 124gr FMJ Zero Brand Bullets, and CCI 500 primers.

I have stored brass both ways, either is good. OAL Depends on the gun and bullets, and believe it or not OAL is static in that different bullet manufactures have different bullet designs. I like the Lyman reloading manual, but also use my Speer a lot. I know that this all sounds as clear as mud, but soon you will get the idea.

As for storing brass, I usually clean, size and deprime, and flare before storing. Then there's less to do when I get around to reloading. The brass is all ready to load. I don't prime until I'm ready for reloading.
Prime-powder-bullet, done.

Go out and get yourself a Chamber gauge for each caliber your loading, for pistol their about 7 bucks, rifle can be in the upwards of 18-24 dollars. They will give you a pretty good idea of depth and seating if you look at them from the bullet end of the gauge. Put my mind at ease just being able to visually see and compare cartridges. Plus they will also tell you if your re-sizing to proper specs.

Compare against some factory loads and you should be alright.

If the bullet is sticking out of the gauge well then you have gone to far, and you generally need to seat deeper. Do you have your self a set of Calipers?